Letters to the editor - May 2, 2013

Published: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.

Nothing ‘conservative’ about this

I’m confused. We have a majority of state legislators who call themselves “conservative.” They got elected by advocating streamlining government and reducing its cost, lowering taxes, and promoting business.

Now two such lawmakers, Reps. Rick Catlin and Chris Millis, seem intent on running the movie-making business out of North Carolina.

Rather than reflecting conservative principles and values, such measures would seem to smack of social engineering and nanny-ism, not to mention the cost required to implement and enforce them.

And, as to taxation, I paid appreciatively more to North Carolina this year on the same income. I would appreciate someone explaining to me just what is “conservative” and “business-friendly” about all this!

Charles Erickson,Oak Island

Keep talking about Titan

Recently, I drove to the site where the proposed Titan Cement operation is potentially set to open up. After turning onto Holly Shelter Road, I passed by Castle Hayne Elementary School, wetlands visible from the road, and beautiful forestland. Then I turned onto Ideal Cement Road. I thought, “How could anyone think that this location is ‘ideal’ for a cement plant?”

Carolinas Cement Co. is a subsidiary of Titan Cement, and the citizens of New Hanover County know better. This is no local company who just wants to be a “good corporate neighbor” … this is a Greek company (whose owners do not have to live with) the effects of this cement plant on our community. …

This is a company that could put thousands of people’s health at risk … to make a profit. Titan Cement is a company that does not belong, and is not welcome in our community.

On April 29, a rally was held outside Tidal Creek Co-Op commemorating the five-year efforts of Citizen Against Titan. We are not going to stop talking about Titan, as some of our county officials would like, until we are assured that Titan will never have a place in New Han­over.

Matthew Duffy,Wilmington

Open Cuba to American trade, travel

What is all the fuss about Beyonce and Jay-Z going to Cuba? We should all be able to go there like we used to when Cuba was one of the famous vacation spots for Americans. At that time, we were doing business with Fulgencino Batista and shared the coffee, sugar and fruits of Cuba. …

Fidel Castro was a guerilla when he fought to evict Batista. He became a communist when we refused to help him. We were comfortable with Batista. Everybody was getting their piece of the pie. Castro knew we were against him. The Russians saw an opportunity to help, and put missiles in our area of the world.

From Key West to Cuba is a little over 30 minutes of flying time. We should have had one diplomat in Washington at the time Castro took power of Cuba, to welcome him and say, “Business as usual … you get your share, we get ours.”

This is how you make friends or lose them. The Cuban people used to love us, and vice-versa. They were our closest neighbor and friend, and Washington can’t handle a simple thing like that … or anything else.

<p class="bold allcaps">Nothing 'conservative' about this</p>
<p>I'm confused. We have a majority of state legislators who call themselves “conservative.” They got elected by advocating streamlining government and reducing its cost, lowering taxes, and promoting business. </p><p>Now two such lawmakers, Reps. Rick Catlin and Chris Millis, seem intent on running the movie-making business out of North Carolina.</p><p>Assorted others have introduced bills to require photo ID for voters; practically ban certain breeds of dogs; require registration, license and insurance to operate a moped; require drug tests for aid applicants, etc …</p><p>Rather than reflecting conservative principles and values, such measures would seem to smack of social engineering and nanny-ism, not to mention the cost required to implement and enforce them.</p><p>And, as to taxation, I paid appreciatively more to North Carolina this year on the same income. I would appreciate someone explaining to me just what is “conservative” and “business-friendly” about all this!</p><p><b>Charles Erickson,</b> <i>Oak Island</i></p><h3>Keep talking about Titan</h3>
<p>Recently, I drove to the site where the proposed Titan Cement operation is potentially set to open up. After turning onto Holly Shelter Road, I passed by Castle Hayne Elementary School, wetlands visible from the road, and beautiful forestland. Then I turned onto Ideal Cement Road. I thought, “How could anyone think that this location is 'ideal' for a cement plant?”</p><p>Carolinas Cement Co. is a subsidiary of Titan Cement, and the citizens of New Hanover County know better. This is no local company who just wants to be a “good corporate neighbor” … this is a Greek company (whose owners do not have to live with) the effects of this cement plant on our community. …</p><p>This is a company that could put thousands of people's health at risk … to make a profit. Titan Cement is a company that does not belong, and is not welcome in our community.</p><p>On April 29, a rally was held outside Tidal Creek Co-Op commemorating the five-year efforts of Citizen Against Titan. We are not going to stop talking about Titan, as some of our county officials would like, until we are assured that Titan will never have a place in New Han­over. </p><p><b>Matthew Duffy,</b> <i>Wilmington</i></p><h3>Open Cuba to American trade, travel</h3>
<p>What is all the fuss about Beyonce and Jay-Z going to Cuba? We should all be able to go there like we used to when Cuba was one of the famous vacation spots for Americans. At that time, we were doing business with Fulgencino Batista and shared the coffee, sugar and fruits of Cuba. … </p><p>Fidel Castro was a guerilla when he fought to evict Batista. He became a communist when we refused to help him. We were comfortable with Batista. Everybody was getting their piece of the pie. Castro knew we were against him. The Russians saw an opportunity to help, and put missiles in our area of the world.</p><p>From Key West to Cuba is a little over 30 minutes of flying time. We should have had one diplomat in Washington at the time Castro took power of Cuba, to welcome him and say, “Business as usual … you get your share, we get ours.” </p><p>This is how you make friends or lose them. The Cuban people used to love us, and vice-versa. They were our closest neighbor and friend, and Washington can't handle a simple thing like that … or anything else.</p><p><b>George A. Saffo,</b> <i> Wilmington</i></p>